Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2001 Cadillac Catera. The contact stated that the odometer stopped working when the traction control light and the ABS light was illuminated. The vehicle also lost power when the warning lights came on. The gears then started to shift very slowly. The failure mileage was 70,484. The current mileage was 70,486.
Vehicle was leaking oil, the consuemr was told that the vehicle had a loose screw, the vehicle stalled while driving due to a faulty computer chip, the dealer reset and upgraded the chip, while backing up and when coming to a stop the vehicle makes noise, the dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem but lubricated the plastics around and inside the car, this minimize the noise but it still can be heard. Nlm
While driving the vehicle, the car stalled without cause. When we attempted to stop the car due to the car stall the car spun out and was hit by an oncoming vehicle. This car has been subject to several stallouts while driving at various speeds since purchased in 2002. This vehicle also has problems with not starting when the car is completely filled with fuel. After being filled completely, the car will not start for several days. The vehicle also leaks antifreeze from the oil cooler at a rate of about 1 gallon per week. Cadillac acknowledges the problem but will not fix it.
Dt: problem began in November. While driving experienced a full system failure. The car would slowly slow down, dashboard panel would illuminate, and then the vehicle would shut off. Both through the engine and electronically. Took vehicle to dealer, who did system checking. Diagnosed a need for a new battery and engine flush. Battery was replaced and engine flushed. After this repair, 5 miles down the road while traveling 60 MPH ,the same thing occurred. Back to dealer, who was shocked and unable to determine, but noted a crank shaft and a cam sensor that needed to be replaced. Had them replaced. Left dealership and again same thing. Called Cadillac and filed complaint. Back to dealership, this time catalytic convertor. Failed. Afterwards, this again happened. Took back to dealer ,had no remedy. Had to buy another car because this car was inoperable.
Engine shut off without warning while traveling at highway speed causing loss of power steering and braking. Problem was diagnosed as defective crankshaft position sensor. Accident was avoided because of quick drivers reaction. Urgent attention requested. Engine would turn over but not start until after 10-15 minutes.
Windshield wipers only worked on the fast setting, and failed to disengage unless the vehicle was completely turned off. Windshield wiper motor was replaced, however the problem continued. The consumer believed the probelm was electrical.
I own a 1998 Catera. While driving at 45 MPH on a curved road the engine and power cut off . I lost power steering and had to struggle to stop. The car on the side of the road. It happened in a matter of seconds. I had the car towed to the caddy dealer, and they said the crack sensor went bad. I reviewed the internet and saw this was a common problem. I was not hurt, but I was very concerned. If my son was driving I believe we both would not be hear and no one would know why we crashed head on. This was the second time I had trouble with this car. The first time the car started to sputter and smoke came out from under the hood. I pulled over and had it towed. The valve cover was leaking into the spark plug hole and burning the rubber boot. It got so hot the plug melted, causing the smoke to come out. Also, I found out it was a common problem. …
Numerous issues with 1998 Catera. Had timing belt tensioner-pulleys/cam drive replaced last year(3-2002) while under warranty. "service campaign" was issued by Cadillac in sept 2002 for Catera's to have came drive idler/tensioner pulley/water pump replaced with new version. Got vehicle serviced today and was informed that car had another serious problem that needed to be corrected-out of pocket-coolant crossover leaking into oil cooler, and valve cover was leaking oil.....the car runs extremely hot, has poor performance, gets terrible gas millage, battery has low voltage when nothing is left on by mistake, replaced the battery 4 time in two years, A/C had new compressor replaced past summer 2002 still not able to cool car and while in use the car sounds like a tractor, boggs down the perfromance. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Cadillac Catera years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (24), 2000 (24), 1998 (17) and 1999 (12) model years. Electrical complaints make up 15% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Cadillac Catera electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Cadillac Catera model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Cadillac Catera electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the 12v/24v/48v battery (15 mentions), followed by the ignition (13).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.